Pin it
The thick, golden-brown exterior meets layers of melty cheese and robust sauce in this Chicago-style delight. When you grab a piece, watch the stretchy cheese pull away, showcasing that perfect combo of hearty filling and crunchy base.
Ultimate Pizza Delight
The mix of buttery dough, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce works pure kitchen magic. It's a great way to spend your Saturday, making something that'll feed everyone while filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Ingredients Needed
- Yeast: 2 ¼ tsp activated dry.
- Flour: 3 ½ cups regular.
- Sausage: 1 lb spicy Italian.
- Tomatoes: 28 oz canned crushed.
- Mozzarella: 3 ½ cups freshly shredded.
- Parmesan: 1 ½ cups finely grated.
- Oil: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive.
Cooking Steps
- Dough:
- Combine yeast with warm water, add flour and oil, then knead until smooth and let it puff up for 1 hour.
- Filling:
- Brown sausage with onions and garlic, then pour in tomatoes and seasonings and let it bubble away.
- Build:
- Stretch dough into your pan, then stack cheese and meat mixture with sauce.
- Top:
- Sprinkle extra cheese and dots of butter.
- Bake:
- Heat oven to 425°F, cook for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden, then cool before cutting.
Pin it
Kitchen Secrets
Don't forget to grease your pan for that extra crispy bottom. Feel free to toss in any veggies you fancy. If you want a thinner crust, just use half the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the right pan?
Use a 9-inch skillet or deep dish pan with tall sides for best results.
- → Why is cheese first?
It shields the crust from the sauce, keeping it nice and crisp. Standard Chicago trick.
- → Can I prep dough early?
Yes, chill it for up to a day. Let it warm up a bit before you roll it out.
- → Why cook sauce ahead?
It thickens the mixture and amplifies flavors while keeping your crust dry.
- → Avoid a soggy crust?
Pre-bake for a few minutes, use a thicker sauce, and always layer cheese before sauce.